Australian Sheep Genetics Take off in Chile

Australian company, Multi Purpose Merinos, has developed a cross-breed of sheep that produces good quality wool and meat. Embryos and semen are already being exported to Chile (and Argentina).

In the harsh climate of the Chilean Magallanes region, sheep farmers have been struggling to ensure that their flocks remain economically viable. Australian sheep genetics are increasingly being considered as a potential solution.

Australian company, Multi Purpose Merinos (MRM®), have developed a cross-breed of sheep that produces good quality wool, meat and increased fertility. Embryos and semen are already being exported to Chile (and Argentina).

Chile’s current herd size is 2.5 million sheep and they have plans to double this to meet demand for lamb exports, particularly to Europe. The challenge is to achieve sustainable production by growing the number of lambs produced, and improving the quality of the stock so that they can achieve the maximum price for each animal.

Chile is currently struggling to fulfill export demand (mainly from Europe) for lamb and it is hoped that with the introduction of new genetic material, Chile will be able to improve its herds and increase export earnings. In addition, with an improving world wide demand for wool, there is an opportunity to increase farmer income from higher quality, finer micron wool.

The MRM® company has joint ventured in Chile, Argentina and Uruguay through the South American Central Nucleus of MPM and the Network Ovitec/Ovis XXI. This network currently involves over 800 thousand sheep, 15 multiplying studs, 11 consulting services companies, 36 accredited professionals and 90 sheep breeders in three countries.